12.10.2007

Want to impress someone this holiday season?Then clearly the way to do it is by giving (or sporting) a Judith Leiber, Hermes or Prada handbag.Can't afford those? Well then there are 23 others on the list. Read on...

Leiber's handcrafted bejeweled creations --a few of which are shown above (click pn them to enlarge)-- were praised by respondents as perfect show-stopping accessories for that special occasion. The brand scored highly with women over age 45 and those with net worth in excess of $5 million. Hermes and Prada handbags were ranked second and third, respectively.

"Handbags have evolved from utilitarian accessories to coveted collectables. Not only do today's wealthy women want to communicate their sense of style and sophistication, but also their individuality. By carrying a handcrafted handbag, they show they can afford to be uniquely exclusive," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute.

One of the classic and most prestigious handbags of all time is the Hermes Birkin Bag:

"Individualization and customization is a trend that is popping up in a range of diverse categories and serves to separate the mass-class from the truly wealthy," Pedraza added. "Our 'voice of the high net-worth consumer' surveys from the impartial Luxury Institute provide important endorsements for luxury brands and the consumers they serve."

The proprietary Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey is the only measure of the prestige of leading brands among wealthy Americans. A national sample of 783 wealthy American consumers, with an average income of $305K and average net worth of $2.2 million, was surveyed online. Survey results are weighted to match demographic and net worth profiles of the same audience according to the latest Survey of Consumer Finances from The Federal Reserve.

About the Luxury InstituteThe Luxury Institute is the uniquely independent and impartial ratings, reviews and research institution that is the trusted and respected voice of the high net-worth consumer. The Institute provides a portfolio of proprietary publications and research that guides and educates high net-worth individuals and the companies that cater to them on leading edge trends, high net-worth consumer rankings and ratings of luxury brands, and best practices. The Luxury Institute also operates the Luxury Board (www.luxuryboard.com), the world's first global, membership-based online community for luxury goods and services executives, professionals and entrepreneurs. To reach the Luxury Institute, please call 646-792-2669 or go to www.luxuryinstitute.com.

Where to get some of these fabulous handbags without paying full retail?